Collision of oil tankers sparks major fire near Strait of Hormuz
- Early morning on June 17, 2025, two oil tankers collided in the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Front Eagle, carrying Iraqi oil, and the Adalynn, a sanctioned vessel, both caught fire, prompting rescue operations.
- The incident raised concerns over potential shipping disruptions in a key maritime chokepoint.
On June 17, 2025, two large oil tankers, the MV Front Eagle and the MV Adalynn, collided approximately 44 kilometers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, near Khor Fakkan in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident, which occurred around 00:15 local time, resulted in substantial damage as fires erupted aboard both vessels. The Front Eagle, a supertanker operated by Frontline Plc, was carrying two million barrels of Iraqi crude oil at the time of the crash. Meanwhile, the Adalynn, a smaller tanker, was reportedly unladen and headed to Egypt. This collision has raised significant concern among traders regarding potential disruptions to oil shipping in this crucial maritime chokepoint. The incident is believed to have been caused by a navigation error, as claimed by both oil companies involved. Initial reports indicate that prior to the collision, the Front Eagle may have experienced electronic interference while near Iran's Assaluyeh port days earlier, though there was no evidence of foul play. All 24 crew members aboard the Adalynn were successfully evacuated without major injuries, while Frontline confirmed that all personnel on the Front Eagle were also safe. The collision triggered immediate shifts in the shipping markets with forward freight agreements reflecting increased concerns over shipping disruptions. Just weeks prior to this incident, tanker rates had surged nearly 50% due to the escalating geopolitical tensions in the region following Israeli airstrikes on Iran. The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital passageway for global oil transportation, and any disruptions here can have significant implications for world oil markets. Both Frontline and necessary authorities have launched investigations into the accident to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the crash. The Adalynn is known to be part of a group referred to as the Russian 'shadow fleet,' often operating under flags of convenience to evade sanctions on Russian oil. The outcome of this incident could have further ramifications, not only concerning the shipping industry but also in light of the ongoing geopolitical atmosphere in the region.